JP2008181272A - Information processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor enabling a user to acquire a printout such that a desired print image is laid out on a recording form desired by the user. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor displays an image forming apparatus setting window 500 comprising: an input data preview window 510 for displaying input data to be input into an image forming apparatus; an output form size selection window 540 for selecting an output form size for the image forming apparatus; an output application setting selection screen window 550 for selecting output application setting for the image forming apparatus; an output mode preview window 530 for displaying an output mode decided on the basis of the output form size selected on the output form size selection window 540 and the output application setting selected on the output application setting selection window 550; an input data adjustment window 520 for adjusting the input data; and an output result preview window 560 for displaying the input data adjusted on the input data adjustment window 520 and the output mode therefor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that performs a print operation after previewing data input to an image forming apparatus in advance on a display unit of the information processing apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute such an operation. .

  There is an image forming apparatus called a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral) including a scanner and a printer. Such a multifunction peripheral has a scanner function for a scanner to capture an image, a print function for a printer to print, a copy function for a printer to print an image read by the scanner, a FAX function for a FAX section to send and receive a FAX document, and the like. ing. In addition to such multi-function machines, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines having a simple copy function are also widely used.

Among the image forming apparatuses as described above, those having a preview function for performing printing after displaying image data input from an external device or image data read by a scanner mechanism are known. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-282439), a read original or a virtual original is displayed as a preview image in a preview screen, and a simple image is displayed on the preview image using a touch panel or a mouse. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that can perform editing and post-processing settings while reflecting them in a preview image, and perform printing or post-processing as displayed on the preview screen.
JP 2004-282439 A

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can easily edit a preview image in the preview screen and set post-processing. However, how the preview image is printed when printed on output paper. It is not a configuration that can set whether or not. Generally, recording sheets of various sizes and directions are usually set in the image forming apparatus, and the user selects the size and direction of the recording sheets as appropriate and executes printing. However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to set how to match the size and direction of the actual recording paper with the preview image, and the user does not see the actual print result. There is a problem that it is not known how the printed image is laid out on the recording paper.

  Further, according to the device described in Patent Document 1, the preview image is displayed on the image forming apparatus, and is not displayed on an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. In recent years, network environments have become common for personal computers in offices and the like, and the distance between the personal computer operated by the user and the image forming apparatus to be printed is often set apart. . In such a case, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has the inconvenience that the user has to leave the operating personal computer and go to the image forming apparatus in order to confirm the preview image. It was.

  In order to address the above problems, the present invention provides an input data preview window for displaying input data input to the image forming apparatus, and selection of an output paper size of the image forming apparatus. Selected in the output paper size selection window, the output application setting selection window for selecting the output application setting of the image forming apparatus, the output paper size selected in the output paper size selection window, and the output application setting selection window. An output form preview window for displaying an output form determined based on the output application setting, an input data adjustment window for adjusting input data, input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window, and the output form are displayed. An image forming apparatus setting window including an output result preview window is displayed. Is an information processing apparatus to be.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output result preview window displays the input data displayed in the input data preview window in the output form preview window. It is performed by drag and drop.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input data includes data transmitted from a personal computer, FAX document data received by the image forming apparatus itself. Any one of data transmitted from an external storage device directly connected to the image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output application setting performs any one of Nin1, page continuous shooting, and poster printing. It is possible to set whether or not to perform double-sided printing and to set a margin position and a margin width.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adjustment in the input data adjustment window is performed by changing the magnification of the input data and adjusting the rotation angle. It is a change.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window in the output result preview window is: When it does not fit in the output form, a warning is displayed to the user as to whether or not to perform printing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the input data input to the image forming apparatus on the output form preview screen determined based on the output paper size selected in the image forming apparatus and the selected output application setting. Is displayed by changing the magnification or the rotation angle, and causing the computer to execute an operation of virtually displaying the print output result.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the program of the present invention, the size and direction of the actual recording paper and the preview of the target print image are confirmed by the output result preview window that displays the input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window and the output form. Therefore, the user can obtain a printout in which a desired print image is laid out on a desired recording sheet. Further, since the user can preview the output result on the information processing apparatus operated by the user, the user is not inconvenienced by going to the image forming apparatus for preview confirmation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral is described as an example of an image forming apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, and the present invention is not limited to a multifunction peripheral. The present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus connected to the apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) and a peripheral system configuration. In FIG. 1, 10 is a network such as a LAN or WAN, 20 is a telephone line, 100 is a multifunction device, 110 is a control unit that performs main control of the multifunction device, 120 is a FAX unit that transmits and receives a FAX document, and 130 is a recording medium. A printer unit that prints on a document, 140 a scanner unit that reads a document, 150 an operation panel unit that serves as an interface with a user, 160 a network I / F, 170 a USB I / F, 200, 200 ′, 200 '' Indicates a personal computer, and 300 indicates an external device.

  In the system around the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ (information processing apparatus) such as clients and the multifunction peripheral 100 are connected via a network 10. Yes. Further, the FAX unit 120 of the MFP 100 is configured to be connected to the telephone line 20 and the USB I / F 170 is connected to the external device 300 such as a mobile phone or a digital camera.

  The multi-function device 100 includes a control unit 110 that performs main control of a multi-function device main body including an information processing device, an operation panel unit 150 that is an input / output device that receives user input operations, and a scanner unit that scans and reads a document / image. 140, a printer unit 130 that performs printing on printing paper or the like, and a FAX unit 120 that performs FAX transmission / reception. In other words, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a scanner function, a printing function, a copy function that combines the scanner function and the printing function, and a FAX transmission / reception function.

  Each of the information processing mechanisms of the multifunction peripheral 100 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose computer system, and each component or function is realized by, for example, executing a computer program written in a storage unit.

  The scanner unit 140 includes a document table (not shown) on which a document can be placed and an optical system that reads the document table. The document table of the scanner unit 140 is provided with a document size detection sensor that can detect the size of the document placed on the document table. Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 may be provided with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) that automatically and continuously feeds documents to the scanner unit 140.

  The data read by the scanner unit 140 is once stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the control unit 110. The control unit 110 outputs the document image data read by the scanner unit 140 from the printer unit 130 as it is or at a set magnification according to the designation from the operation panel unit 150 or the like (copy function of the MFP 100). , Transmitted from the FAX unit 120 through a telephone line (FAX function of the multifunction device 100), or transmitted to the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ via the network I / F 160 and the network 10 (multifunction device). 100 scanner functions).

  The printer unit 130 forms an image on a recording sheet. The printer unit 130 employs a method of forming a latent image on a photoconductor with a laser or an LED line head, or directly ejects ink onto a recording sheet. A well-known hardware configuration such as an ink jet method employing the method can be used. The control unit 110 causes the printer unit 130 to perform predetermined paper output based on an instruction from the operation panel unit 150, the personal computers 200, 200 ′, and 200 ″, or an external device 300 such as a mobile phone or a digital camera. Is. That is, the printer unit 130 receives image data read by the scanner unit 140, FAX data received by the FAX unit 210, data from application software of the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″, and from the external device 300. The image data is output on paper.

  The FAX unit 120 is connected to the telephone line 20 and is received by a FAX transmission / reception unit (not shown) that transmits / receives a FAX, a transmission buffer that temporarily stores transmission data to be transmitted by the FAX transmission / reception unit, and a FAX transmission / reception unit. A FAX section memory is provided for constituting a reception buffer for temporarily storing received data.

  When the FAX unit 120 receives the image data read by the scanner unit 140 from the control unit 110, the FAX unit 120 temporarily stores the image data in the FAX unit memory 121 and transmits it by FAX. When the transmission is completed, the FAX unit 120 deletes the transmitted data stored in the FAX unit memory 121.

  In addition, when the FAX unit 120 receives data transmitted by FAX from the telephone line 20, the FAX unit 120 temporarily stores the received data. The stored received data is sent to the control unit 110 and printed by the printer unit 130. The FAX unit 120 performs FAX transmission / reception independently of other components in the MFP 100. That is, when the FAX unit 120 receives transmission data from the multi-function device 100, the FAX unit 120 performs FAX transmission independently of the multi-function device 100, and receives FAX data if it is transmitted from the telephone line 20.

  The copy function of the multifunction peripheral 100 is set in the control unit 110 by the user operating the operation panel unit 150. From the operation panel unit 150, a copy magnification setting, a document image size setting, and an output paper size setting related to the copy function can be set. Based on these settings, the control unit 110 can copy the MFP 100. Perform the function. The copy function of the multifunction peripheral 100 performs copy magnification processing on the original image data read by the scanner unit 140, and outputs the result to paper of a size specified by the printer unit 130.

  The hardware of the operation panel unit 150 is roughly composed of a display unit composed of an LCD for performing display related to an operation, and a touch panel unit capable of inputting by pressing with a finger or the like. The display unit and the touch panel unit are configured to overlap each other, and the user can perform various settings of the MFP 100 by operating the touch panel unit with a finger while referring to the display on the display unit. ing. For a specific configuration of the input mechanism using the touch panel unit and the display mechanism using the display unit, for example, a well-known technique described in Patent Document 1 can be used. The operation panel unit 150 can perform various functions such as a FAX function, a printer function, and a copy function of the multifunction machine 100, a preview display of a read image, a preview display of an image of a process of processing the read image, and the like. It is.

  Next, personal computers 200, 200 ', 200' 'that are information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a personal computer is described as an example of the information processing apparatus, but the present invention can also be applied to other information processing apparatuses such as a PDA and a workstation.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system that implements the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus of the present invention is constructed by, for example, the personal computer as described above, and the hard disk stores a program (software) for realizing various functions related to the preview operation according to the present invention by the predetermined computer. It is stored (installed) in an external memory such as (HDD).

  In FIG. 1, 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ as information processing apparatuses of the present invention are personal computers, 210 is a system bus, 211 is a CPU, 212 is RAM, 213 is ROM, 214 is an input / output control unit, and 215 is Input / output devices, 216 denotes an HDD control unit, 217 denotes an HDD, and 218 denotes a communication control unit.

  The CPU 211 is a central processing unit and controls the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ as a whole by supervising each configuration via the system bus 210. The RAM 212 is a rewritable memory means, and the ROM 213 is a non-rewritable memory means. The HDD 217 (hard disk drive) is a large-capacity external memory. The HDD control unit 216 controls the HDD 217.

  The CPU 211 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 210. A program ROM in the ROM 213 or the HDD 217 stores basic programs such as an operating system program that is a control program for the CPU 211. The ROM 213 or the HDD 217 stores various data used for output data processing. The RAM 212 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 211. The CPU 211 retrieves and acquires output data by communicating with an external device according to a program ROM stored in the ROM 213 or a program stored in the large-capacity HDD 217, and also displays graphics, images, and characters. Processing of output data in which tables and the like are mixed is executed, and management of a database stored in the HDD 217 is executed.

  The input / output control unit 214 controls the input / output device 215 such as an input unit of a keyboard and a pointing device, a display unit such as a display panel, and a printing unit such as a printer. In this embodiment, the user inputs information necessary for setting the image forming apparatus from the input unit of the keyboard or pointing device while referring to the display unit such as a display panel, or the display unit. The setting of the image forming apparatus is confirmed by displaying the preview window.

  The communication control unit 218 controls communication with an external device via the network 10, and thereby, a composite required by the information processing apparatus (personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″) according to the present embodiment. Data relating to the setting state of the machine 100 can be acquired, and a print execution command or the like generated by the personal computer 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ can be transmitted to the multifunction machine 100. A conventionally well-known technique can be used for connecting the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ and the multifunction peripheral 100 via the network 10 to perform bidirectional communication / control. Further, for example, when an updated version of the information processing apparatus program according to the present embodiment is disclosed and provided on the Internet, such an update program is transmitted via the Internet to the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is possible for the communication control unit 218 to say, for example, that it is incorporated into (the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″).

  In addition to the operating system program that is a control program for the CPU 211, the HDD 217 stores a program according to the present invention, data required by the program, and the like.

  The present invention provides a preview display on a personal computer 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ in a system including the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ configured as described above and an image forming apparatus such as the multifunction peripheral 100. And the image data processing step in the preview display. FIG. 3 is a view showing an image forming apparatus setting window in the display means of the information processing apparatus (personal computers 200, 200 ', 200' ') according to the embodiment of the present invention. The preview display on the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ is displayed on the display means of the input / output device 215.

  3, 500 is an image forming apparatus setting window, 510 is an input data preview window, 511 is an input data file name display section, 512 is an input data display section, 513 is an input data location display selection section, and 514 is an input data page. Selection button, 520 is an input data adjustment window, 521 is a magnification display selection section, 522 is a rotation angle display selection section, 530 is an output form preview window, 531 is an output form preview section, 540 is an output paper size selection window, 550 is an output An application setting selection window, 560 indicates an output result preview window, and 561 indicates an OK button.

  The image forming apparatus setting window 500 is displayed on a display unit that is the input / output device 215 of the personal computer 200, 200 ′, 200 ″. Further, in order to perform various settings using the image forming apparatus setting window 500, an input unit that is also an input / output device 215 is used. A display device such as an LCD display is used as such a display means, and a device such as a mouse is typically used as an input means. The display in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 is roughly: input data preview window 510, input data adjustment window 520, output form preview window 530, output paper size selection window 540, output application setting selection window 550, output result preview window 560. A total of six windows are displayed.

  The input data preview window 510 is a window that displays information related to input data that the user intends to print out with the printer unit 130 and the input data itself in an unprocessed state. The input data to be printed out by the printer unit 130 is transmitted to the MFP 100 from the FAX document data received by the FAX unit 120, the data read by the scanner unit 140, and the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″. Data transmitted from an external device 300 such as a digital camera.

  The input data file name display section 511 in the input data preview window 510 is a place for displaying the file name of the input data, and the input data display section 512 is a place for displaying a thumbnail of the input data itself. The input data location display selection unit 513 indicates an information device where the input data exists (or a port to which the information device is connected) or clicks a “reference” button shown in the figure with a mouse to input the input data. An existing information device can be changed. The input data page selection button 514 includes a “previous page” button and a “next page” button. By clicking each button with the mouse, thumbnails to be displayed on the input data display unit 512 are displayed. Or the next page.

  The display of the input data in the input data preview window 510 is to display the input data itself in an unprocessed state, but in the input data adjustment window 520, what kind of processing is performed on the input data in the unprocessed state. Can be determined. The input data adjustment window 520 includes a magnification display selection unit 521 and a rotation angle display selection unit 522. The magnification display selection unit 521 changes the magnification of input data, and the rotation angle display selection unit 522 inputs. Change the rotation angle of the data. Input data magnification change and rotation angle change processing are well-known techniques in the field of image forming apparatuses. For specific processing such as input data magnification change and rotation angle change in the present invention, known techniques can be used. it can.

  As shown in the figure, the magnification display selection unit 521 includes a magnification display portion, a “reduction” button, an “equal magnification” button, and an “enlargement” button. The magnification of the input data is displayed at the location where the magnification is displayed, and the input data can be reduced, enlarged, or enlarged by clicking the “Reduce”, “Equal” button, or “Enlarge” button with the mouse. It can be performed. In addition, the rotation angle display selection unit 522 includes a portion for displaying a rotation angle, a “−” button, a “0 degree” button, and a “+” button. The rotation angle of the input data is displayed at the position where the rotation angle is displayed, and the rotation angle of the input data can be changed by clicking the “1” button, the “0 degree” button, and the “+” button with the mouse. it can. The clockwise rotation of the input data is defined as a positive rotation angle, and the counterclockwise rotation is defined as a negative rotation angle.

  The output paper size selection window 540 is a window for selecting a paper feeding device used for printing out by the printer unit 130. Known techniques can be used for the hardware of the paper feeding device, the mechanism for selecting one paper feeding device from a plurality of paper feeding devices, and the like. Normally, papers of various sizes and directions are set and used in such a paper feeding device. For example, in the example of the output paper size selection window 540 shown in the figure, A4 portrait paper is set in the paper feeder 1, A3 landscape paper is set in the paper feeder 2, and B5 portrait is set in the paper feeder 3. No. 4 paper is set, and the B4 side paper is set in the paper feeding device 4. FIG. In the example of the output paper size selection window 540 shown in the drawing, the paper feeding device 1 on which A4 vertical paper is set is selected. The selection of the paper feeding device in the output paper size selection window 540 is performed, for example, by clicking with the mouse near the check box shown on the left side of the paper feeding device 1 or the like. In addition, a check mark is displayed in the check box display of the selected paper feeding device.

  The output form preview window 530 is a window that displays the size and direction of the output paper set in the paper feeding device 1 selected in the output paper size selection window 540. In the illustrated example, the paper feeding device 1 is displayed. A4 vertical paper set in is displayed.

  The output application setting selection window 550 is a window used when application print settings are made. When the user wants to make application print settings, the user can select “double-sided printing”, “2 in 1”, “page continuous shooting”, “poster printing”, “binding”. The application setting is selected by clicking with the mouse near the check box on the left side of the place where “Margin position” and “Margin width mm” are displayed. A check mark is displayed in the check box display of the selected application setting. For application printing, “double-sided printing”, “2 in 1”, “page continuous shooting”, “poster printing”, “binding margin position”, “binding margin width mm”, etc. can all employ well-known printing methods. Among the applied prints as described above, “2 in 1” prints may further include “Nin 1” prints such as “4 in 1” and “8 in 1”. Further, in the image forming apparatus, a setting as to whether or not “Nin1”, “page continuous shooting”, and “poster printing”, a setting as to whether or not “double-sided printing” is performed, and “binding position” are performed. "And" Margin width mm "can be set in parallel. When such an application print setting is unnecessary and normal printing is desired, a check mark is not displayed in any check box display of the output application setting selection window 550. In order to do this, for example, a portion where no application setting item is displayed in the output application setting selection window 550 (a blank portion where nothing is displayed) is clicked with the mouse. In the output application setting selection window 550 of FIG. 3, since no check mark is displayed in any check box display of the output application setting selection window 550, a state in which normal printing is set is shown.

  The output application settings (including normal print) set in the output application setting selection window 550 are also reflected in the display of the output form preview window 530. That is, the output form preview window 530 is based on the paper feeding device (output paper size) selected in the output paper size selection window 540 and the output application settings (including normal printing) selected in the output application setting selection window 550. The output form determined in the above is a preview window displayed in the output form preview unit 531.

  The output result preview window 560 is a window in which the input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window 520 and the output form displayed in the output form preview window 530 are combined (561) and displayed, and the output result preview window 560 is displayed. The state displayed at is actually a printout at the printer unit 130.

  Next, user operations in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 configured as described above will be described. 4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating user operations in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The file name shown in FIG. A user operation for printing jpeg will be described. File name: sample1. When the input data of jpeg is received by the multi-function device 100, the image forming apparatus setting window 500 is displayed as shown in FIG. 3 in the initial state. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the user once clicks the vicinity of the input data display portion 512 of the input data preview window 510 with the left button of the mouse, and the output form of the output form preview window 530 remains clicked. The user is prompted to perform an operation for releasing the click state of the left button in the vicinity of the preview portion 531 (hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as “drag and drop” or the like). When such a drag-and-drop operation is performed by the user, the output result preview window 560 of the image forming apparatus setting window 500 is displayed in the unprocessed input data (sample1.jpg) and the output form preview window 530. The output form (A4 vertical size frame) is combined and displayed. In the display in the output result preview window 560 of FIG. 4, the input data (sample1.jpeg) protrudes from the A4 vertical frame that is the output form. The input data is printed in a state that does not fit on the paper.

  The user adjusts the magnification / rotation angle of the input data in the input data adjustment window 520 while referring to the display result in the output result preview window 560. FIG. 5 shows that the display of the input data (sample1.jpeg) in the output result preview window 560 rotates to −90 degrees as the rotation angle is set to −90 degrees in the input data adjustment window 520. ing. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows that the display of the input data (sample1.jpeg) in the output result preview window 560 has been reduced to 76% as the magnification is set to 76% in the input data adjustment window 520. ing. According to the adjustment of the magnification / rotation angle of the input data as described above, the input data (sample1.jpeg) does not protrude from the A4 vertical frame which is the output form. The user adjusts the input data in the input data adjustment window 520 while referring to the display result in the output result preview window 560 as described above, clicks the OK button 561 with the mouse, proceeds to printout execution, and proceeds to the printer. A printout with no missing image can be obtained from the unit 130.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus and program of the present invention, the size and direction of the actual recording paper and the preview of the target print image are displayed by the output result preview window that displays the input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window and the output form. Since it can be confirmed, the user can obtain a printout in which a desired print image is laid out on a desired recording sheet. Further, since the user can preview the output result on the information processing apparatus operated by the user, the user is not inconvenienced by going to the image forming apparatus for preview confirmation.

  Next, another user operation example of the image forming apparatus setting window 500 will be described. 7 to 12 are diagrams illustrating user operations in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 to 12, the file name: sample2. jpeg to sample5. A user operation when printing out jpeg on a sheet of A3 landscape paper will be described.

  File name: sample2. When the input data of jpeg is received by the multi-function device 100, the image forming apparatus setting window 500 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7 in the initial state. In this example, in the output paper size selection window 540, the sheet feeding device 2 in which A3 landscape is set is selected, and the output form preview window 530 and the output result preview window 560 have a frame of A3 landscape size. Is displayed.

  Next, when “double-sided printing” in the output application setting selection window 550 is selected by the user, the output form preview window 530 and the output result preview window 560 are in a state as shown in FIG. That is, according to the information processing apparatus and program of the present invention, output is performed based on the output paper size (paper feeding device) selected in the output paper size selection window 540 and the output application settings selected in the output application setting selection window 550. The display method of the output form (frame display as shown) in the form preview window 530 is determined. Further, the output form of the output form preview window 530 is also reflected in the output result preview window 560.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where “2 in 1” is selected in the output application setting selection window 550 by the user. As shown in the figure, in the present invention, the output form preview window 530 is combined with the output paper size selection window 540 and the output application settings (“double-sided printing”, “2 in 1”) selected in the output application setting selection window 550. The output form display and the output form display in the output result preview window 560 are changed.

  Next, when the user drags and drops the input data (sample2.jpeg) from the input data display unit 512 of the input data preview window 510 to the output form preview window 530 as shown in FIG. The unprocessed input data (sample2.jpeg) is displayed in the A3 horizontal size, front surface, and left page portion of the output form.

  The user adjusts the magnification / rotation angle of the input data in the input data adjustment window 520 while referring to the display result in the output result preview window 560. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the magnification is set to 76% and the rotation angle is set to 90 degrees in the input data adjustment window 520. Along with the adjustment in the input data adjustment window 520, the display of the A3 horizontal size, front side, and left page portion of the output form of the output result preview window 560 is as shown in the figure, and the input data ( sample2.jpeg) will not protrude. The user is sample3. jpeg to sample5. For the input data of jpeg, an output result preview window 560 display as shown in FIG. 12 can be obtained by performing the same operation as above. The user adjusts the input data in the input data adjustment window 520 while referring to the display result in the output result preview window 560 as described above, clicks the OK button 561 with the mouse, and proceeds with the printout execution step. It is possible to obtain a non-missing image output with duplex printing and 2-in-1 applied print settings from the printer unit 130.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus and program of the present invention, the size and direction of the actual recording paper and the preview of the target print image are displayed by the output result preview window that displays the input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window and the output form. Since it can be confirmed, the user can obtain a printout in which a desired print image is laid out on a desired recording sheet.

  Next, the warning display to the user in the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, in the display result in the output result preview window 560, the user presses the OK button 561 in a state where the input data (sample1.jpeg) protrudes from the output form (A4 vertical size frame). If the information processing device is clicked, the information processing apparatus determines that the printer unit 130 cannot perform printing without omissions, and as shown in FIG. 13, “The image is cut, but will you continue the process?” The warning display window 600 is displayed on the image forming apparatus setting window 500. According to such a warning display window 600, it is possible to prevent unnecessary print output that is not desired by the user.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. An input data adjustment window 520 of an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to another embodiment of the present invention is provided with an automatic layout mode. When such an automatic layout mode is selected, an output is performed. The input data is automatically adjusted (magnification change adjustment, rotation angle change adjustment) in accordance with the form. Such an automatic adjustment technique is well known in the field of image forming apparatuses, and a well-known automatic adjustment technique can also be used in the present invention. In order to enter the automatic layout mode, a check mark appears in the check box by clicking the left check box displayed as automatic layout with the mouse.

  When the automatic layout mode is set, the file name shown in FIG. When the user drags and drops input data from the input data preview window 510 to the output form preview window 530 to print jpeg, the input data magnification change adjustment and rotation angle change adjustment are automatically performed. As a result, the display of the input data (sample1.jpeg) in the output result preview window 560 is rotated by a rotation angle of −90 degrees and reduced to 76%. The user confirms the display result in the output result preview window 560 in this way, clicks the OK button 561 with the mouse, proceeds to the printout execution step, and obtains a printout with no image loss from the printer unit 130. be able to.

  As described above, the user can obtain a printout in which a desired print image is laid out on a desired recording sheet also by an information processing apparatus and program according to another embodiment.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral) and its surroundings. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of the computer system which implement | achieves the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the window for image forming apparatus setting in the display means of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining user operation in the image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram showing a display example in an image forming apparatus setting window 500 of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the image formation apparatus setting window in the display means of the information processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Network, 20 ... Telephone line, 100 ... Multifunction machine, 110 ... Control part, 120 ... FAX part, 130 ... Printer part, 140 ... Scanner part, 150. ..Operation panel unit, 160 ... Network I / F, 170 ... USB I / F, 200, 200 ', 200 "... Personal computer, 210 ... System bus, 211 ... CPU 212, RAM, 213, ROM, 214, input / output control unit, 215, input / output device, 216, HDD control unit, 217, HDD, 218, communication control , 300 ... external device, 500 ... image forming apparatus setting window, 510 ... input data preview window, 511 ... input data file name display, 512 ... input Data display unit, 513 ... Input data location display selection unit, 514 ... Input data page selection button, 520 ... Input data adjustment window, 521 ... Magnification display selection unit, 522 ... Rotation angle display Selection unit, 530 ... Output form preview window, 531 ... Output form preview part, 540 ... Output paper size selection window, 550 ... Output application setting selection window, 560 ... Output result preview window, 561 ... OK button, 600 ... Warning display window

Claims (7)

An input data preview window for displaying input data input to the image forming apparatus;
An output paper size selection window for selecting the output paper size of the image forming apparatus;
An output application setting selection window for selecting an output application setting of the image forming apparatus;
An output form preview window for displaying the output form selected based on the output paper size selected in the output paper size selection window and the output application setting selected in the output application setting selection window;
An input data adjustment window for adjusting the input data;
An information processing apparatus for displaying an image forming apparatus setting window comprising input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window and an output result preview window for displaying the output form. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display in the output result preview window is performed by dragging and dropping the input data displayed in the input data preview window to the output form preview window. The input data is any one of data transmitted from a personal computer, FAX document data received by the image forming apparatus itself, and data transmitted from an external storage device directly connected to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. In the output application settings, it is possible to set whether or not to perform any of Nin1, page continuous shooting, and poster printing, whether or not to perform double-sided printing, and the setting of the margin position and margin width. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is characterized. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment in the input data adjustment window is a change in magnification and a rotation angle of the input data. The output result preview window displays a warning to the user as to whether or not to print when the input data adjusted in the input data adjustment window does not fit in the output form. 6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 5 above. The input data input to the image forming apparatus is displayed on the output form preview screen determined based on the output paper size selected in the image forming apparatus and the selected output application setting by changing the magnification or the rotation angle. And causing a computer to execute an operation of virtually displaying a print output result.

Images